Miandad calls for curbs on Pakistan players' lust for power

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has said that the cricket authorities needed to curb players' lust for power in the national team or no lessons could be learnt from their World Cup debacle.

"Unless steps are taken to curb player-power and they are given the message they don't have automatic places in the team, nothing will change," Miandad was quoted as saying by The News Thursday.

Pakistan faced a first round exit from the World Cup after losing to hosts West Indies and minnows Ireland and also had to cope with the death of their coach Bob Woolmer a day after their elimination.

Their exit has caused uproar at home with Inzamam-ul-Haq, who stepped down from the captaincy, the chief selector and board officials being grilled by parliamentary bodies and in the media.

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced suspension of all central contracts of the players and said it would appoint the captain and coach before May 7 after a board meeting Tuesday.

The board's problems have multiplied with senior batsman Younis Khan also reluctant to captain the side.

Miandad, who was replaced by Woolmer in 2004, said that the refusal of Younis signified that there were problems in the team.

"Pakistan cricket's biggest challenge is discouraging groupings and players should be allowed to play according to their performances," he said.

Alluding to reports that Inzamam created problems by overriding the selectors, Miandad said the selectors needed to be given more say in team selection.

"There is nothing wrong if the board starts planning for the future. The next captain must be strong but not allowed to dictate to the selectors or board," he explained.

(IANS)

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